Helping Lunch Survive a Commute

by Joanne Camas

on 05/21/13 at 11:00 AM

A bus, two subways, and a 15-minute walk took their toll on my lunch today. I'd packed homemade soup in a plastic deli container, but it made a bold bid for freedom halfway to the office. Luckily I'd wrapped the container in a plastic bag, so the soupy mess didn't get too far.

I've tried all types of tubs, from today's simple plastic one to fancy varieties with high-tech hinges. And I'm still searching for a reliable lunch transporter.

Since it's just past Mother's Day, I should remind everyone to re-use the cooler gel-packs that come in some flowers, they rock for keeping food cold!

ginsugirl
09:53:48 PM on
05/21/13

I was well able to pack food for transport when I was catering, but nothing can prepare you for what children can do to your best intentions. Kids lose stuff, it's inevitable. I lost so many cooler bags, thermoses, bento-type boxes, and metal cutlery that I finally gave up. My son's school advocates "litterless lunches", but they don't pay to replace all this expensive gear on a weekly basis. So back to good ol' brown bags and aluminium wrapped sammiches.

SandyinTX
08:16:06 PM on
05/21/13

Screw-top jars for liquid stuff!
Mercifully, I've always had access to refrigerators & microwaves (altho not always a stove) so a tote bag worked just fine for holdng the assembled jar, plastic-bagged roll or sandwich, sliced apple in re-used olive tub, etc.

butterfly6283
02:22:50 PM on
05/21/13

Well, if it was me, and it was for many years until I retired, I would opt for a wide mouth mason jar to take soup to work. If you put it in a gallon size zipper bag filled with ice, you keep the jar cold,and give it some cushioning if by chance you should have a clumsy moment and drop it. I prefer glass containers 100% of the time as I don't like BPA in my food. Then if you are wanting to keep the soup hot so you don't have to heat it at lunch time there is the very handy stainless steel thermos. That will keep the soup safe & warm. I would pass on the cutesy lunch bags unless you are under 12. Hard to uphold that corporate image carrying a kids lunch bag. There are some nice grown-up ones if you google around for them.

j_camas
02:02:15 PM on
05/21/13

Thanks! I'll definitely check them out.

sandarama
01:42:59 PM on
05/21/13

I love the Sistema brand containers --- they clip and lock tight, and can go from frig to microwave (they vent). Not very expensive, either.